Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, delivered a keynote address at the 6th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum in Manama, Bahrain, highlighting entrepreneurship as a primary driver for economic growth and a critical tool for tackling developmental challenges across the region. The high-profile event was attended by prominent figures including Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Gerd Müller, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Championing Innovation for Sustainable Development
In his speech, Aboul Gheit emphasized the growing importance of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in building resilient societies. He positioned innovation and creativity as the “gateway to a secure and prosperous future,” essential for addressing pressing issues like unemployment and achieving sustainable development goals across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
The Secretary-General noted that the forum’s theme, “Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through empowering entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and mobilizing capital,” reflects a deep awareness of the challenges facing Arab and developing economies. He stressed that international experience has proven the strong link between sustainable development and fostering a culture of innovation that supports investment projects of all sizes.
A New Pan-Arab Investment Agreement
Aboul Gheit revealed that the Arab League is in the final stages of drafting a new Arab Investment Agreement. This updated pact aims to dismantle barriers for investors and align with modern economic concepts such as the knowledge economy, the digital economy, and sustainable development.
He asserted that investment is the decisive factor in boosting productivity, creating jobs, and facilitating technology transfer. By modernizing the investment framework, the Arab League aims to enhance economic cooperation and increase intra-regional trade and investment, ultimately establishing a more influential Arab economic bloc on the global stage.
Manama Forum Gathers Regional Leaders
Held under the patronage of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the forum serves as a critical platform for fostering strategic partnerships and innovative solutions for inclusive growth.
Aboul Gheit commended the Kingdom of Bahrain for its hospitality and organization, stating that its commitment underscores the importance of initiatives that promote comprehensive and sustainable development. On the sidelines of the main event, the Arab League, in collaboration with the Union of Arab Chambers and UNIDO, also organized a high-level session focused on aligning social protection with entrepreneurship to support vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and low-income families.
About The Arab League
The League of Arab States, commonly known as the Arab League, is a regional organization of Arab states in and around North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and Arabia. It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members. The organization’s main goal is to draw closer the relations between member states and co-ordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries.
Source: Shorouk News
